2006 BMW 325 Problems Starting

Hello, I have a 2006 BMW 325i and I have been having some starting problems. I have noticed that the car has been sluggish turning over and now won't start. The lights are on, the radio and fan are on but it won't turn over. I tried boosting it off another car and AAA tried also with no luck. I took it into the dealership and they said it was the battery. We changed the battery and I am noticing that after leaving the car in the garage for 8 hours it is getting sluggish and laboured on the starting again. If I drive the car for a bit and turn it off, it starts right back up.

The dealership is saying it is going to take 3 weeks to get in and I can't wait that long. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 AT 9:09 AM

5 Replies

DR. HAGERTY

EXPERT

9,737 POSTS

Depending on where you are in the USA, the dealer option is only one way to have your car repaired, there are many knowledgeable BMW repair facilities in the business. The possibility that there is some sort of "key off draw" that is slowly draining the battery is likely from your description. The E-9x cars (or any BMW car in the first year or two of production) have problems with several things that can pull the battery down. There is what is called a footwell module, there is also the possibility there is a software upgrade that has not yet been performed on your car. I worked for BMW North America long enough to realize the bean counters and the money grubbers had taken over and that real customer service has gone the way of the Dodo, are you listening BMW?

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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 AT 9:20 AM

JAMIE POWELL

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Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Is there any way to find out if there is a draw on the battery or a way to weed out the issue through the fuse box?

Thank you

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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 AT 9:25 AM

DR. HAGERTY

EXPERT

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Maximum allowable key off draw should not exceed 50 milliamps. An ammeter in line with the battery will be needed to test this. If you are unsure of this procedure, I strongly recommend seeking out professional assistance as it will require product familiarity to avoid possible harm to the electronics. Another easier method would be to monitor battery voltage, it should stay at about 12.5 volts. Also I do not recommend jump starting BMW cars, the possibility of damage to the electronics is too great to chance it. If the battery is dead, tow it to the repair facility of your choice. Tow charges are insignificant compared to what an extreme voltage excursion a jump start could do to the car, I cannot stress this enough. Going through the fuses one by one is certainly one method, you will need to monitor the draw as this is done.

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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 AT 9:38 AM

JAMIE POWELL

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Great thank you again! One final question, is it possible or advisable to disconnect the battery when parked to reduce the electrical draw?

Thank you again!

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Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 AT 10:13 AM

DR. HAGERTY

EXPERT

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Yes, however the system has what is called a "sleep" mode that can take up to 16 minutes to achieve. Battery disconnection before or during that time might compromise some of the electronics. Another option would be to attach a battery charging device that will keep the voltage up and will not overcharge (an automatic type) So if you intend to disconnect the battery, open the trunk and wait for several minutes, disconnect the battery, and have your friendly BMW repair technician properly repair the issue ASAP.